As a part of Singapore’s 2023 Action Plan for Successful Ageing, the Ministry of Manpower will be extending its Senior Employment Credit for a further two years.
Those who employ senior Singaporeans (aged 60 and above), and provide them with up to $4,000 monthly wages, will be provided with wage offsets. This scheme was previously due to be wound up this year, but will instead be maintained until at least 2025.
Also extended up to 2025 is the Part-time Re-employment grant, which will incentivise employers to offer part-time re-employment and other flexible work arrangements to senior workers.
“This will provide more flexible work options to attract and retain senior workers as well as support their career longevity,” the Ministry of Health said.
There is also a push from the National Trades Union Congress to have companies increase their internal retirement ages and offer re-employment past the suggested age of 65.
On upskilling, the National Silver Academy offers more than 1,000 courses across a wide range of topics for seniors. It aims to reach over 70,000 senior learners in the next five years.
The Seniors Go Digital programme, by the SG Digital Office, has trained more than 210,000 seniors on using smartphones to access government services, transact digitally, and keep connected. In tandem, the Mobile Access for Seniors scheme has provided subsidised smart phones and mobile plans to around 12,000 low-income senior citizens.
